As a personal stylist, one phrase I hear all the time is:
“I love it, but… It’s too expensive.”

And hey, I get it. We all have budgets, priorities, and limits on what we’re willing to spend. But over the years, I’ve come to realise that when most people say something is “too expensive,” what they really mean is something else entirely.

Let’s break it down.

1. “I Don’t See the Value Yet”

Often, it’s not about price — it’s about perceived value.
If a piece costs $250, but you’re used to shopping at stores where everything is under $50, your brain hasn’t been trained to see why that higher price tag might be worth it.

But here’s the thing: when you understand cost per wear, versatility, quality materials, and ethical production, the value becomes obvious.

This is where I love to help clients. My job isn’t just to help you look good — it’s to help you understand why a certain item earns its keep in your wardrobe. And often, those more “expensive” pieces end up being the ones you wear again and again… and feel incredible in every time.

2. “I’ve Been Burnt Before”

If you’ve ever splurged on something that didn’t live up to the hype, I hear you.
You might hesitate to invest again, especially if it wasn’t the right piece for your lifestyle or body shape.

But that’s exactly why working with a stylist can be so powerful — because it’s not about throwing money at trends. It’s about curating pieces that actually work for you. When you know what suits you, what fits your lifestyle, and what will truly be worn and loved, the risk of “wasted” money drops dramatically.

3. “I’m Used to Buying in Volume”

Let’s be honest — it’s easy to spend $200 on five impulse buys across a few weeks. A couple of cheap tops, a trendy bag, and maybe a jacket that looks good on the hanger but sits unworn in your closet.

But imagine putting that same $200 towards one intentional purchase. A piece you wear 3 times a week. A piece that makes you feel polished and pulled together every time you put it on.

Buying better doesn’t mean buying more. In fact, it usually means the opposite.

4. “I’ve Never Thought About Clothes This Way”

That’s totally fair — most of us weren’t taught how to shop with intention, how to build a wardrobe with longevity, or how to balance style with practicality. We’re bombarded with fast fashion, weekly “new arrivals,” and sales every five minutes.

But there’s a better way.
And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or out of reach.
It starts with a mindset shift — from buying lots to buying well.

Final Thought:

Next time you find yourself saying “It’s too expensive,” pause for a moment. Ask yourself:

• “Do I actually mean I don’t see the value?”

• “Would I wear this again and again?”

• “Am I buying lots of cheap stuff instead of a few great things?”

• “Could this be an investment in how I show up in the world?”

There’s no right or wrong answer — just a chance to think differently. And I’m definitely not poo-pooing a bargain find every now and then (hey, you know I love a good Kmart shop) but having a wardrobe that really represents your style, and that works for you, is all about balance – wow-pieces AND basics, colour AND neutrals, and afforable AND investment pieces are all allowed in the one wardrobe.

Ready to Build a Wardrobe That Works?

If you’re tired of buying pieces that don’t go the distance — or you want someone to help you figure out what’s actually worth investing in — I’d love to help.

I offer personal styling options, from one-on-one sessions to wardrobe edits and shopping trips tailored to your lifestyle, as well as my online styling commnunity, The Style Circle.The Style Circle

👉 Explore how we can work together here: chasingcait.com/work-with-me
Or, if you’re not sure where to start, book a FREE 30-minute Style Discovery Call — just head to the link above and let’s chat.

Your dream wardrobe is closer (and simpler) than you think.